I know it is wishful thinking, given how long the super middleweight "super six" took, but I have an idea for a middleweight tournament that should be over by the end of next year. It will be a single elimination tournament with fighters seeded. there are more than 8 fighters who are worthy, so I will explain my inclusions. The tourney should take place exclusively in the U.S., as this is neutral ground for most, and virtually all have plied their trade here.
This tourney should feature, in order of seeding: Sergio Martinez, Daniel Geale, Gennady Golovkin, Dmitry Pirog, Peter Quillin, Matthew Macklin, Martin Murray, and Domenico Spada. Now, for those of you asking why not Sturm, Chavez, Proksa, or Barker? Barker, Proksa, and Sturm are coming off losses, and/or had not done much impressive up until then. Chavez needs to be at least a 168lb-er, and is also coming off a dominant loss. Here how I would stack them, complete with predictions.
Sergio Martinez vs. Domenico Spada
Spada is only getting this shot as a mandatory, and because Martinez deserves an easy touch. Not sure how easy he will be, as Martinez always takes his time to break guys down. Something tells me the talent gap will be wide, and Spada's corner will pull him out, down 6-0 on the cards, before round 7.
Daniel Geale vs. Martin Murray
Avoided like the plague since his "draw" over Felix Sturm, Murray deserves to be in this tournament. however, as anyone offensive looks great against the turtle that is Sturm, it remains to be seen how he will do against a fighter who many say has never legitimately lost. we are headed for a volume punching 12-rounder here, that may be hard to score. I assume, however, that Geale will have a bit too much, and win a close-ish UD.
Gennady Golovkin vs. Matthew Macklin
Macklin has earned another shot, but it won't be any easier. I expect Macklin to show toughness, but Golovkin is a freak of nature with his strength and persistence. Macklin's chin might hold steady, but his skin will not. Golovkin by 9th round TKO.
Dmitry Pirog vs. Peter Quillin
Kid Chocolate needs a step up, after careful matchmaking, and i know Golden Boy has bad memories of Pirog. Supposedly cannon fodder for Daniel Jacobs coming out party, Pirog claimed the WBO title with a big KO, and has been hiding in Russia, looking ordinary, ever since. Pirog is Greg Proksa without the southpaw stance, so he takes a while to figure out. Once Quillin realizes he just has to win, not look good... he will pull away down the stretch. Quillin by MD.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
MIDDLEWEIGHT TOURNAMENT, part 1
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